Hershey Debuts Bulk Vending Program During NBVA Show

LAS VEGAS — The Hershey Co., one of the most recognizable names in confectionaries, is reentering the bulk vending market. The candy giant is now offering three of its best-known product lines for direct sale to bulk vendors, and will provide display cards for them.

The confectionaries recently introduced to the bulk channel include Reese’s Pieces and Kissables in 25-lb. bulk packaging, as well as Good & Plenty candies in 6.5-lb. packs, all of which are coated candies, thus resistant to temperature and humidity changes. Innovative 3D point-of-sale graphics will attract customers’ attention and reiterate that the product in the vender is brand name.

The announcement of the new program was made during the National Bulk Vendors Association’strade show and convention in Las Vegas last month, and the response from those in attendance was strong and enthusiastic, association officials said.

Although these selections have been a staple in the industry for years, and operators have consistently offered these and other high-recognition branded products to please or obtain accounts and boost sales, they were only available through secondary sources and weren’t packaged in the volumes most convenient for bulk vending application. According to company officials, Hershey’s move to do this was prompted by phone calls from operators seeking the two things now offered – signage and direct sales.